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The Far-reaching Capabilities of Boundary Scan Testing
December 31, 1969 |Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
What do you need to know about boundary scan PCB testing? Though not quite mainstream, boundary scan is increasingly an option for PCB assembly houses that need increased test coverage with fewer test access points, and for companies with assembly in multiple locations. It also can be used to streamline design, production test, and in-field failure analysis. Greg Leblonc, Acculogic, described the modern capabilities of boundary scan technology, and why it belongs in the testing arsenal, at a recent seminar.
About 20% of the seminar attendees in Boston were currently using boundary scan. Leblonc noted that, outside of Europe (where boundary scan is common), mostly just the high-reliability assemblers and major OEMs are implementing boundary scan tests. Other electronics manufacturers haven’t felt the loss of test access until recently, driving more small OEMs and contract manufacturers to learn the method. Boundary scan capability is available on more packages than are using it, Leblonc added, which means implementing BS tests on existing designs may not be as hard as overhauling the system. The overhead involved in implementing BS test is low compared to major test equipment. Its usability in design, device programming, production test like functional (FT) and in-circuit (ICT), failure-in-field analysis, and refurbishing returns, quickens the return on investment (ROI) and saving time at each of these steps.
Leblonc went over the hardware and software required to deploy boundary scan, which is influenced by the configuration and how an assembler wants to use the system (device programming vs. production test, for example). The controller should have enough drive current to preserve the test signal through the whole test chain. Proper bandwidth and TDI/TDO synchronization prevents issues with path delays, improving test speed. Web-enabled boundary scan systems allow a test specialist in one location to perform scans on PCBs across the globe.
Boundary scan can also prevent PCB damage due to test execution. Software can boost coverage and prevent over-probing of the board. Boundary scan is a way to eliminate test points, lowering the physical contact between unit under test (UUT) and test equipment. Fewer test points mean happier PCB designers as well, because it lends more flexibility to the design.
Boundary scan may not be necessary on all designs. More complex, more dense, higher-quality assemblies are well served by the reduced access points and increased test coverage. Prototypers that are programming devices as well as testing finished assemblies are accommodated by the umbrella of boundary scan capabilities. Multinational companies (MNC) that assemble in one region with test experts in another can take advantage of Web-based system networking, and can also link together design, test, and returns operations based on the BS programs. With so many packages already BS compatible, implementing a boundary scan system may be an easy investment with widespread returns.
Meredith Courtemanche, executive editor, SMT
For additional information about the uses for boundary scan systems, contact Leblonc at greg.leblonc@acculogic.com.
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